Business Start-Up Checklist

Checklist for Starting a Business

1. Develop a Business Plan The nearby Small Business Development Center has been established to help business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs succeed. Their goal for new business owners is to help them do the careful planning required to minimize the risks of launching a new enterprise. Stanislaus River Valley Small Business Development Center provides professional business counseling, excellent low cost workshops, information and resources and an annual Rx for Business program.

2. Join Your Local Chamber of Commerce The Turlock Chamber of Commerce functions as a trade association for member businesses and professionals. Included in their services to members are business education and promotion, legislative advocacy, referrals, networking opportunities, community/business events and being the primary source for community information. One of the first things a new business owner should do is join the Chamber and take advantage of its networking and referral opportunities.

3. Consult with Necessary Professionals As a business owner, you will want to establish a relationship with several outside professionals. You will need to set up bookkeeping procedures, choose your legal structure, set up agreements and contracts, obtain financial information and financing, obtain insurance coverage for liability, fire, theft, workers’ compensation, etc., and find a location for your business. This guide will give you contacts in many important areas such as accountants, attorneys, bankers, insurance agents/brokers, real estate agents, etc.

File a Fictitious Business Name Statement, if applicable, with the County Clerk. Also, publish the notice with a local newspaper and file an affidavit of publication with the County Clerk within 30 days of publication.

5. Obtain a Business License from the City Hall Collection Department The City of Turlock requires businesses doing business in the city to obtain a business license tax. The tax on most businesses is based on gross receipts earned and must be renewed at the end of the applicable period.

7. Apply for a State Employer Tax Identification Number If your business will pay wages, contact the tax office for a State Identification Number. Contact them also for disability insurance tax, state withholding tax and unemployment insurance tax. Ask for the California Employers Tax Guide (Form #DE 44).